The Shortcut Mission

The Shortcut is a community driven organisation that promotes diversity as an

engine for growth. We encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to

consider creating or working for a startup to best utilise their skills and aspirations.

We inspire and empower our community through gatherings, workshops, trainings

and programmes that help them explore ideas, share knowledge and develop skills

to enable new talents required in the startup life.

The main criterion for participating is ATTITUDE: if you are curious about

technology and entrepreneurship, you are welcome to join us. This is your starting

point to take an active role in (re)building your future. The Shortcut is a non-profit

organisation owned by Startup Foundation, and a sister organisation to Slush and

Startup Sauna.

Integration

Inclusive society – In many societies, including Finland, there are great groups of people with underutilised skills and resources.

These include 1st and 2nd generation immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees, foreigners, international students, multicultural youth, and anyone trying to integrate into Finnish society. If they were better included, they could rise to their full potential and would benefit society as a whole.

Technology

An area particularly suitable for people who are not well-rooted in the local society, due to its international character, cross-cultural markets and mobility of applications.

No colour no boundaries. Tech startups have a high multiplier effect in terms of revenues and employment, and there is growing demand from Finnish technology companies for new talent.

Resilience

Emphasising Finnish societal values – In times of crisis, great things have consistently emerged from Finland.

Since the financial crisis of 2008, one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in Europe has been created and we want to extend this community to be more inclusive by lowering the barrier of participation.

Our Manifesto

For you who are willing to change;

want to acquire new skills;

are looking to find your place in society;

want to reach your full potential;

want to add value to the community;

We lead you through a journey that empowers and inspires new people to join the start up community.

We are the safety net where testing ideas (and failing) is part of the development process.